Michigan Gov. Whitmer extends Executive Orders enabling remote transactions, easing fuel tax requirements

In a pool photo provided by the Michigan Office of the Governor, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, wearing a mask, addresses the state during a speech in Lansing, Mich., Friday, May 1, 2020. The governor said Michigan's stay-at-home order remains in effect despite Republicans' refusal to extend her underlying coronavirus emergency declaration, as she amended it to allow construction, real estate and outdoor work to resume next week. (Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, Pool) (Uncredited)

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Orders 2020-73 and 2020-74, which extend two previous Executive Orders.

Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Tuesday night

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The orders:

  • Continue to temporarily allow e-signatures on official documents and remote notarizations to avoid unnecessary in-person contact.
  • Continue to temporarily suspend licensing, decal and trip permit requirements used by the Department of Treasury to collect taxes owed by motor carriers.  

The new orders take immediate effect. Executive Order 2020-73 (motor carriers) continues through June 2, while Executive Order 2020-74 continues through June 30.

“As we continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve, we must take all measures to avoid in-person contact and ensure we can transport front-line personnel and essential supplies quickly, efficiently and where they’re needed most,” Whitmer said. “These executive orders will help us slow further spread of this deadly disease and protect Michigan families.”

READ: ‘Not out of the woods yet’: Michigan Gov. Whitmer provides update on state’s COVID-19 response

Executive Order 2020-74 temporarily suspends requirements for in-person notarizations, and allows transactions that require a notary to be completed via two-way, real-time audiovisual technology.

The order also extends the validity of notary commissions until June 30, 2020. It also permits the use of electronic signatures in all cases, except in rare circumstances when a physical signature is required.

Executive Order 2020-73, temporarily suspends motor carrier licensure requirements, including certain decals and trip permits related to collection of certain fuel taxes.

MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.


About the Author:

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.